Jaguar Land Rover of Boston

Allston, MA

Project Size:

2 Acres ±

Herb Chambers developed a new Jaguar Land Rover auto dealership at the locations previously occupied by the Herb Chambers Honda and Infiniti dealerships at 1186-1190 and 1192-1198 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. The goal was to create a category-leading, first-class new facility that contributed meaningfully to the Commonwealth Ave. streetscape and architecture.

The new 4-story building is contemporary in style, with approximately 192,000 SF in total floor area. It includes showrooms, offices, service bays, vehicle storage, and customer amenities, including lounges. The project is supported by approximately 537 off-street parking spaces within the building and approximately 58 surface spaces.

The permitting and logistics of the project were challenging due to the presence of the existing, outdated one-story dealership buildings, a confined site, and the need to complete the City of Boston’s Large Project Review permitting process. Crocker Design Group provided state and city permitting consulting services in collaboration with CHA Consulting and the Regent Associates, including City of Boston BPDA, Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), MWRA and Parks Department. We also helped expedite the time to construction by helping Chambers separately procure city permits to demo the existing buildings while the overall design team was still finishing the construction drawings and overall building permit process. The project was still in progress during the City of Boston’s Covid construction shutdown, which Crocker helped the development team navigate.

Over the past 25 years, I have worked with dozens of engineering firms ranging in size, as well as specialty. In that time, I have come to consider Crocker Design Group as a real standout in the industry. I particularly appreciate the company’s responsiveness and competence, as well as their overall attitude and commitment to problem-solving. Gabe and his team have been a pleasure to work with, their dedication to providing solutions, no matter the challenge, is a testament to the culture and ethics of Crocker Design. As a developer, I can say with honesty that they are incredibly talented and a true pleasure to work with.

Tom O’Connell, Developer
Marina Bay Management

I have worked with Gabe Crocker of the Crocker Design Group on various projects for the last five years. I am counsel to a large company that has worked with Mr. Crocker and his team on 5 or 6 development projects in Massachusetts. In each instance, Gabe Crocker and his team fulfill their responsibilities as Civil Engineers, but in most cases go much further. If we need research on local zoning or other ordinances the Crocker team is ready to get the information we need. If we need someone to step forward and coordinate the activities of other design professionals, Crocker is ready to fill that role and do it very well. Gabe also has the unique ability to make effective public presentations during the permitting process. Not all engineers can provide both technical knowledge and good “people skills”. It is a pleasure to work with Crocker Design.

Paul W. Losordo, Esq.

I contracted with Crocker Design Group to have my home residence surveyed and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Gabe, Shane, Vinny and Chris are the ultimate professionals. As an individual homeowner, I was worried that my job wouldn’t get much attention due to larger development projects taking precedence, but this wasn’t the case at all. The team was prompt, thorough, and explained every step of the process carefully, including walking the property with me to explain the nuances of the survey. The plot plan was very detailed and delivered promptly. I’m recommending Crocker Design to my friends with similar residential survey needs.

M. Maloney
Scituate

I’ve experienced Crocker Design’s passion for problem solving in several successful Real Estate Development projects in Eastern Massachusetts. Gabe and his team consistently go “above and beyond” to help us present our projects in the best possible light to Planning Boards, ZBAs, Conservation Commissions, and all related town government officials.

Jim Bristol, President
Weathervane Properties

CDG’s work is regarded highly by permitting authorities that we appear before. CDG invests the time to thoroughly understand each assignment and delivers solutions that are on point, on time and on budget.

Jeffery Tocchio
Drohan Tocchio & Morgan, P.C.